New waterbombing jets ‘changing the equation’ in bushfire battle

MODIFIED passenger jets which can move around the country quickly could be used with increased effect against fires in Tasmanian wilderness areas.

MODIFIED passenger jets which can move around the country quickly could be used with increased effect against fires in Tasmanian wilderness areas, a Senate inquiry has heard.

Richard Adler, from the National Aerial Firefighter Centre, told the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee that Victoria and NSW had both trailed large converted DC-10 and C-130 Hercules aircraft capable of dumping huge amounts of fire retardant material.

“All four of those aircraft were used on Tasmanian fires,” Mr Adler said.

“It would take detailed studies to determine how effective they could be in Tasmania, but in other states they do add value.”

Large aircraft were used to battle Tasmania’s bushfire emergency earlier this year as blazes ripped through challenging and difficult to access terrain.

Mr Adler said such aircraft had not been very effective in the past, but a newer generation of faster aircraft with more capable drop systems were “changing the equation”.

He said the extra speed could also make it easier for firefighters to hit fires hard early, when they were still small. This was when aerial waterbombing could be most effective.

Mr Adler said the fact that such aircraft could move around so quickly meant it would make sense for such aircraft to be made available on a national basis.

Under questioning from Greens Senator Nick McKim, he said Federal Government funding for aerial resources, in forward estimates, was “largely static” and that was in real terms was a reduction, while the demands on aircraft services would inevitablely increase.

Pilot Travis Adams with one of Victoria's waterbombing air contingent, a C-130 Hercules. Picture: MIKE KEATING

Originally published as New waterbombing jets ‘changing the equation’ in bushfire battle